Pull-proof, modular fiber optic connector system

Abstract

A novel system for manufacturing a variety of fiber optic connectors which are compatible with existing connector formats, including FC, SC and ST push-pull connectors. The system includes a connector subassembly which is constructed of components common to each of the novel connector designs. The connector subassembly includes a ferrule and ferrule collar contained in a connector body, a spring biasing the collar toward the ferrule, a crimp ring for securing the strength members of the fiber optic cable to the connector body, and a boot for strain relief at the crimp location. Several different connector shells are provided for each of the connector formats, and the interior of the shells are adapted to be attached to the single connector body. In an alternative system, separate body/shells are provided which merge the common body with the different connector shells.

We claim: 
     
       1. A subassembly for an optical fiber connector, comprising: a hollow connector body adapted to receive one of a plurality of different connector shells, said connector body having first and second ends, an inner surface, and a first flange formed on said inner surface proximate said second end of said connector body;   a ferrule;   means for holding said ferrule, said holding means having first and second ends, said first end receiving said ferrule, and said second end being sufficiently small to allow insertion thereof in said first end of said connector body, said second end of said holding means further including means for securing said holding means in said connector body, and said holding means including a collar having a central portion and a second flange proximate said first end thereof;   means for biasing said holding means towards said first end of said connector body, said biasing means including a spring surrounding said central portion of said collar, said spring having a first end in positive abutment with said first flange, and a second end in positive abutment with said second flange; and   crimp means for securing strengthening members of an optical fiber cable to said second end of said connector body.   
     
     
       2. The fiber optic connector subassembly of claim 1 wherein said second end of said holding means and said second end of said connector body terminate in approximately the same plane. 
     
     
       3. The fiber optic connector subassembly of claim 2 wherein said holding means has a longitudinal hole, said hole having a variable diameter, increasing from said first end of said holding means toward said second end thereof. 
     
     
       4. The fiber optic connector subassembly of claim 1 wherein: said ferrule has a hole therethrough for receiving a terminal end of an optical fiber; and   said holding means further includes means for guiding the terminal end of the optical fiber towards said hole in said ferrule.   
     
     
       5. The fiber optic connector subassembly of claim 1 wherein: said connector body has an inner surface, and a first flange formed on said inner surface proximate said second end of said connector body; and   said securing means comprises a second flange formed on said second end of said holding means, said second flange having an effective outer diameter which is greater than an effective inner diameter of said first flange.   
     
     
       6. The fiber optic connector subassembly of claim 5 wherein said second end of said holding means and said second end of said connector body terminate in approximately the same plane. 
     
     
       7. The fiber optic connector subassembly of claim 1, wherein said holding means includes means for limiting movement of said holding means towards said crimp means. 
     
     
       8. The fiber optic connector subassembly of claim 1 wherein: said holding means comprises a collar member having first and seconds ends, and having a bore passing therethrough, said ferrule being attached to said first end of said collar member, and said second end of said collar member being inserted in said connector body.   
     
     
       9. The fiber optic connector subassembly of claim 8 wherein said collar member has a shoulder at said first end thereof, said shoulder being sufficiently large to engage said first end of said connector body and limit movement of said collar member towards said crimp means. 
     
     
       10. The fiber optic connector subassembly of claim 1 further comprising boot means, attached to said second end of said connector body, for relieving strain applied to the optical fiber cable proximate said crimp means. 
     
     
       11. A subassembly for an optical fiber connector, comprising: a hollow connector body having first and second ends, adapted to receive one of a plurality of different connector shells;   a ferrule;   means for holding said ferrule, said holding means having first and second ends, said first end receiving said ferrule, and said second end being sufficiently small to allow insertion thereof in said first end of said connector body and including means for securing said holding means in said connector body, said second end of said holding means and said second end of said connector body terminating in approximately the same plane, and said holding means having a longitudinal hole, said hole having a variable diameter, increasing from said first end of said holding means toward said second end thereof;   means for biasing said holding means towards said first end of said connector body; and   crimp means for securing strengthening members of an optical fiber cable to said second end of said connector body.   
     
     
       12. A fiber optic connector comprising: a hollow connector body having first and second ends;   a ferrule;   a ferrule collar having first and second ends and a bore passing therethrough, said first end receiving said ferrule, and said second end being sufficiently small to allow insertion thereof in said first end of said connector body, said second end of said collar further including means for securing said collar in said connector body;   means for biasing said collar towards said first end of said connector body;   crimp means for securing strengthening members of an optical fiber cable to said second end of said connector body, said ferrule collar having a shoulder at said first end thereof which is sufficiently large to engage said first end of said connector body and limit movement of said ferrule collar towards said crimp means; and   a connector shell attached to and surrounding said connector body, said connector shell taken from the group consisting of an SC-type connector shell, an ST-type connector shell and an FC-type connector shell.   
     
     
       13. The fiber optical connector of claim 12 further comprising boot means, attached to said second end of said connector body, for relieving strain applied to the optical fiber cable proximate said crimp means. 
     
     
       14. The fiber optical connector of claim 12 wherein each of said shells has an interior surface which is adapted to fit on said connector body. 
     
     
       15. The fiber optical connector of claim 12 wherein said connector shell is integrally formed with said connector body. 
     
     
       16. The fiber optic connector of claim 12 wherein: said connector body has an inner surface, and a first flange formed on said inner surface proximate said second end of said connector body; and   said securing means comprises a second flange formed on said second end of said ferrule collar, said second flange having an effective outer diameter which is greater than an effective inner diameter of said first flange.   
     
     
       17. The fiber optical connector of claim 12 wherein said ferrule collar includes means for limiting movement of said collar toward said crimp means. 
     
     
       18. A subassembly for an optical fiber connector, comprising: a hollow connector body having first and second ends, adapted to receive one of a plurality of different connector shells;   a ferrule;   means for holding said ferrule, said holding means having first and second ends, said first end receiving said ferrule, and said second end being sufficiently small to allow insertion thereof in said first end of said connector body and including means for securing said holding means in said connector body, said holding means further including a collar member having first and second ends, and having a bore passing therethrough, said ferrule being attached to said first end of said collar member, and said second end of said collar member being inserted in said connector body;   means for biasing said holding means towards said first end of said connector body; and   crimp means for securing strengthening members of an optical fiber cable to said second end of said connector body, said collar member having a shoulder at said first end thereof which is sufficiently large to engage said first end of said connector body and limit movement of said collar member towards said crimp means.